Michael Hilary D'Souza

I am a Graduate Student Researcher at the University of Lethbridge, specializing in Biomolecular Interactions and Biophysical Modelling of RNA viruses. My focus is on Bunyaviridae, specifically Sin Nombre orthohantaviruses, and their interaction with host machinery for replication, transport, and proliferation.

Our laboratory at the University of Lethbridge is part of the Alberta RNA Research and Training Institute (ARRTI), an organization centred around the research and development of RNA biotechnologies. The Patel lab is interested in determining host-pathogen interactions of RNA viruses and how they recognize and communicate with host proteins, with the long-term goal of advancing treatment for viral infections. Our focus is on Flaviviruses such as Japanese Encephalitis Virus, Zika Virus, Hepatitis C, B, and D, as well as Bunyaviruses like Hantavirus and Rift Valley Fever Phleborvirus.